Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Microplastics have become a global environmental concern due to their widespread presence in aquatic ecosystems and potential adverse impacts on marine life and human health. This thesis focuses on the analysis of microplastics in water samples using spectroscopic techniques, aiming to contribute to the understanding of the prevalence and characteristics of microplastics in aquatic environments. Chapter One provides an introduction to the study, discussing the background of microplastics pollution, the problem statement, research objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and key definitions of terms. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key aspects related to microplastics analysis, including sources of microplastics, types of spectroscopic techniques, challenges in microplastics detection, and current research gaps. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study, detailing the sample collection process, preparation and analysis using spectroscopic techniques, quality control measures, data interpretation, and statistical analysis. This chapter also discusses the selection criteria for water samples and the calibration of spectroscopic instruments for accurate microplastics identification. In Chapter Four, the findings from the analysis of microplastics in water samples using spectroscopic techniques are presented and discussed in detail. The results include the quantification of microplastics abundance, characterization of microplastics types, sizes, shapes, and polymer compositions, as well as spatial distribution patterns in different water bodies. The discussion also addresses the implications of the findings on environmental pollution and potential risks associated with microplastics contamination. Chapter Five serves as the conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications, and recommendations for future research and policy interventions. The study underscores the importance of utilizing spectroscopic techniques for accurate and efficient analysis of microplastics in water samples, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and mitigation strategies to address microplastics pollution in aquatic ecosystems. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on microplastics pollution by demonstrating the effectiveness of spectroscopic techniques in analyzing microplastics in water samples. The findings of this study have implications for environmental management and policy development aimed at reducing the impacts of microplastics contamination on marine ecosystems and human health.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Analysis of microplastics in water samples using spectroscopic techniques" aims to investigate the presence and characteristics of microplastics in water samples through the application of advanced spectroscopic methods. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have become a global environmental concern due to their widespread presence in aquatic ecosystems and potential negative impacts on marine life and human health. Spectroscopic techniques offer a powerful tool for the identification and quantification of microplastics based on their unique spectral signatures. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to establish the current state of knowledge regarding microplastics in water bodies and the existing analytical methods for their detection and analysis. This review will provide a solid foundation for the research by highlighting gaps in the literature and identifying areas where spectroscopic techniques can offer significant advantages over traditional methods. The methodology section of the study will outline the experimental procedures and protocols for sample collection, preparation, and analysis. Various spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy will be employed to characterize the microplastics present in water samples. The research will also explore the use of microscopy techniques in conjunction with spectroscopy to provide detailed information on the size, shape, and composition of the microplastic particles. The data analysis and discussion chapters will present the results obtained from the spectroscopic analysis of water samples collected from different sources, such as rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. The findings will be interpreted in the context of existing literature and used to draw conclusions about the prevalence of microplastics in the sampled water bodies and their potential sources. The research will also assess the effectiveness of spectroscopic techniques in identifying and quantifying microplastics compared to conventional methods. In conclusion, this research project will contribute to our understanding of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments and demonstrate the utility of spectroscopic techniques in addressing this environmental challenge. By providing valuable insights into the presence and characteristics of microplastics in water samples, the study aims to inform future monitoring and management strategies to mitigate the impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems and human health.